Nani is excited by United's future under Ten Hag

The Portuguese star caught up with us after our 4-1 win against Melbourne Victory, where he came on in the closing minutes to make his debut for his new club.

“That was fantastic," he said. “What a great feeling! It’s nice when you come on the field and see some old teammates. All the good memories at Man United came to a head. It makes you feel like [you are] missing old times!” 

After falling behind, goals from Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford gave us a comfortable lead before a last-minute own goal from Victory’s Edmond Lupancu maintained our 100 per cent winning record on Tour 2022. 

The occasion was an important test for Ten Hag and the team after Victory took the lead in the opening stages. The Australian outfit quickly set up a deep defensive line and forced us to work hard for the breakthrough. 

Our quick transitions of the ball and willingness to push attacking numbers into the opposition’s box proved too much for the side currently ranked second in the A-League.

It’s clear Nani will be avidly watching when our new season begins. He hopes Ten Hag’s arrival can usher in a similar era of success that saw the winger win 12 trophies in eight years with us.

“We need to look forward," he said. "I just want to wish all the success for the new coach and the new team. I hope the club can get back into the position where they belong and start winning, again, all the trophies we are missing so much.” 

The 35-year-old concluded that, although he would have loved to have been on the pitch for longer than a few minutes, he was ecstatic to appear against his old side.

“I was so happy,” he said with a trademark smile. “I wanted to play! I wasn’t so fit to play this game but once I came on the field I thought I could play more minutes. It’s always like that, but I think everything went well for Man United and for us.” 

“We played a good game and we’re still working and I hope both of these teams have a lot of success this season. I’m sure they will.”

It was great to see you, Nani. Once a Red, always a Red!

TRENDING ON TWITTER

 

What an unforgettable night! 🙌🏾 Incredible that my @gomvfc debut would be against @ManUtd, a club that has given me so much. Thank you to all the fans, it was amazing! 💙❤️#MVFC #MelbourneVictory #MUFC #ManchesterUnited #Friendly #Australia #Aleague #football #memories pic.twitter.com/9SCfPEed1Z

— Nani (@luisnani) July 15, 2022

Always United ❤️@LuisNani x @D_DeGea #MUFC || #MUTOUR22 pic.twitter.com/3ySdy3zKD2

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 15, 2022

Great to see you, @LuisNani! 👍#MUFC || #MUTOUR22 pic.twitter.com/HPRx9fTKjE

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 15, 2022

A message from the man himself! 🤳

🗯 @LuisNani #MUFC || #MUTOUR22 https://t.co/iwvKXGVbq1 pic.twitter.com/YGUGJdPsYd

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 15, 2022

A very wholesome moment with @LuisNani 🥰#MUFC || #MUTOUR22

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 15, 2022